To celebrate our 40th year, Eyecare Business reached out to our board members and past #EBGameChangers for their thoughts on how eyewear and eyecare has changed since our launch in 1986. Here are reflections from 2024 EB Game Changer, Danielle Crull, ABOM, owner of A Child’s Eyes in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and founder of Truffles the Kitty Organization:
“I started in 1988! Thinking about the changes is mind-boggling. Children’s eyewear was an afterthought, glass lenses were the norm, and I think we’ve cycled through the fashion of big frames to small frames at least 3 times.
"Some changes that have been particularly remarkable are antireflective coatings, the evolution of plastic lens materials, progressives lenses, and frames with spring hinges.
"But there are things I miss too. I miss being able to order temple lengths specifically for each person, hand faceting lenses, and taking old-fashioned binocular PDs. Technology has given us incredible tools, but there’s a craftsmanship to opticianry that I hope we never lose.”